I happened on this site and enjoyed reading the comments about the direction of the food network. I too used to be a real fan of the network, but do not watch it on a regular basis. I chalked it up to m y life getting busier and TiVO, but that knew those weren't the only reasons b/c when I catch Julia or Jaques or Lidia on TV, I find myself sitting there and watching. Can't say that about the shows on the FN. I do like Giada, Ina (think b/c onf the calming nature of their shows, Giada's style and the fact that I actually do learn something and have tried and like their recipes). I also like Nigella b/c of the naughtly, yet subltle "not obvious" sensual way she has with preparing food. These 3 are my fav's b/c I actually learn something and have tried their recipes. I even like ole' martha b/c of the same reason. I am a black woman who grew up in a fairyly "boustrius" family in the bronx during the 60's and 70's. I and my family used to LOVE watching Julia Child (I commonly referred to her as "the cooking lady") on the "ups" channel 13 in NY, on a black and white t.v., grainy picture and all. How is it that "the cooking lady" could command the attention of my family and I is beyond me, but I think it had to do with her voice, precesne and the fact that we actually LEARNED something. Juslia also had a dry sense of humor and thought nothing of bringing out a blow torch, goggles and all, in a couple of the earlier episodes. I thankfully have most of her videos and watch them as my life permits. I am glad FN is reconizing the need for diversity, but the Neely's, sorry to say, are not the answer. I confess tat I only watch the episodes that feature one or more Neely men. Gina's over the top, swinging of the fake hair, need for attention attitude/behavior and screechy/baby voice drives me nuts. I don't need a FN "personality" telling me how/what to do w/my man in the kitchen...I have that covered just fine, thank you. PLEASE FOOD NETWORK, if you are reading this, LET THE NEELY MEN HAVE THEIR OWN SHOW WITH OUT GINA NEELY!!! P.S. Thanks to the "Eric08" that forwarded the link to the Tony Bourdain commentary. It cracked my up. Tony is another of my favorite chefs. Unapologetically real.

I was rooting for Reggie, but I think Guy did do a little better job in his pilot demo. I saw the pilot demos again last night and lagatella was right -- he did address the audience as girls!!! How did I miss that, and what was he thinking??? They were both very worthy and I'd watch both of them if they had their own shows. I was surprised to see he will have a contract of only 6 episodes, but I guess that's to give it a trial run and see how it goes. If he does a lot of calimari and other things like that that I don't like, that will be it for me. I do want to try the chicken recipe Reggie did in his pilot, that looked delicious. Jen

Gardnerwannabe, you reached over here and snatched those words right out of my keyboard! And you're right, next thing people will be ordered to give sworn testimony as to whether they've ever THOUGHT that word. I hadn't got that far in my thinking. I've lived in the South my entire life and I assure everybody that the use of the n word was not acceptable in my home at any time. That would go back to before the '50s. It wasn't a big deal, it just wasn't acceptable and never spoken. That's just to clear things up for anybody who believes some great wave of enlightenment swept the South at some fairly recent time in history. I think katlan and ruthie made excellent points. I so agree that we ourselves have given this particular word far more power than it deserves. I sincerely hope that those who are so self-righteous about the whole thing have never said or done anything that might have hurt anybody's feelings or offended anybody in any way, ever. And I'll add that there are regional accents in some parts of this country that I find unpleasant, even irritating, but darned if I'm going to get on here and point those out because I know that some of them just automatically go with some very nice people. Much ado about not very much...

Yep Penny definitely has attitude. Yeah attitude, that's it. LOL The women this time are getting on my nerve with the whining they do. The scene from next week when Penny meow/cat snarls at the other woman made me laugh. If she doesn't step up the showmanship next week I'll bet she'll be gone. Last nights show was good. I'm really wanting to try the cole slaw I don't care that much for mayo either but I like creamy dressing on slaw. Even though it is still early in the game I'm guessing Susie and Vic for finalists. Both excellent chefs just need to get that TV-face and personality up and running. I think they are both intelligent, serious about making the grade and acting professional. LIL